Help Marcy Depina

In May 2014, Marcy DePina discovered 3 lumps on the right side of her neck. She had been complaining about neck, jaw, head and chest pain for about 5 years, but thought that it was just swollen lymph nodes and that they would go away. After being urged by her cousin who happens to be a nurse, Marcy decided to go see a doctor in July and was immediately sent for a sonogram.  After 3 sonograms and 2 biopsies, she was diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer, a rare form of thyroid cancer that affects 4% of all cases, that had spread to her lymph nodes. During this process she was informed that her health insurance had lapsed. After a long and frustrating process dealing with the Healthcare Marketplace and private insurance companies, she was able to secure an emergency exemption and was also able to purchase a policy. She switched her doctors and hospital and had a total thyroidectomy, removal of 2 parathyroid glands, and neck dissection on September 9, 2014 at Rutgers University Hospital in Newark, NJ.  The pathology report revealed stage 3 medullary thyroid cancer that had metastasized to 24 of her lymph nodes. During surgery, Marcy suffered nerve damage in her neck, face, ear, chest and eye. The doctors successfully removed all the cancerous material in her right neck area. They also advised Marcy that other lymph nodes may come up as malignant over time and that she needs to be seen every 6 months for the next 5 years and then yearly. On October 23, 2014, Marcy was informed that additional tumors were found and that she will need a full body scan to determine their exact locations on November 3rd.


Prior to surgery, Marcy incurred over $15k in medical expenses and is looking at a minimum of additional $10k of expenses from the surgery and post-operative care. Her expenses are rising with the discovery of the additional tumors, along with the tests and treatments to come.  


Unfortunately her battle is not over and she needs the support of her family, friends and community more than ever now! If you can make a small donation to help cover her medical expenses, it will be greatly appreciated! Remember any amount donated will make a big difference!